LOS ANGELES — The Lakers are playing their best basketball in months as the NBA calendar enters the final week of the regular season. And after Saturday’s 116-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, they finally have something to show for it.
The win, which was L.A.’s ninth in its past 10 games, moved the Lakers up to No. 8 in the Western Conference standings — the best position they’ve been since Dec. 29th when they were 17-15.
Now 45-33 with four games remaining, L.A. does not sound like a team barely eeking its way into the playoff picture.
“We’re very confident in our ballclub,” Anthony Davis said after putting up 22 points, 13 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 steals against the Cavs. “We laugh about, like, ‘Oh, winning nine out of 10,’ and we haven’t went anywhere [in the standings]. So, it’s how good the West is. But we’re confident, very confident in our ballclub and any time we step on the floor.”
Indeed, the West is extremely competitive with just two games separating the No. 6 Phoenix Suns from the No. 9 Sacramento Kings.
Should the Lakers hold onto No. 8 rather than slip back to No. 9 where they had been mostly since late January, the difference in their postseason path would be enormous.
Participating in the Nos. 7-8 play-in tournament game guarantees a team two chances to earn a postseason spot. Win that game and you play in the first round as the No. 7 seed; lose it and you play the winner of the Nos. 9-10 play-in game to decide the No. 8 seed.
Remaining on the schedule for L.A. are home games against the West’s No. 1 team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, on Sunday and the No. 10 Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, and then on the road to face the No. 13 Memphis Grizzlies on Friday and the No. 7 New Orleans Pelicans a week from Sunday.
L.A. is 6-6 against those teams so far this season.
“I think the biggest difference is just that we’re just having fun,” Davis said of L.A.’s recent upswing. “We’re holding each other accountable. If somebody messes up we’re yelling, screaming at him. But nobody is taking it personal. Because we all know what we’re here for, to try to win. So we’re having fun, we’re having a great time out there playing basketball, and we’re staying together.”
The Lakers showed that togetherness on Saturday when the Cavs used a 17-4 run early in the third quarter to take a four-point lead, and L.A. responded with a 19-0 run to take back control.
Davis’ contributions were matched by LeBron James (24 points, 12 assists), D’Angelo Russell (28 points on 11-of-17 shooting), and Taurean Prince (18 points on 7-of-9 shooting off the bench).
Defensively, L.A. held the Cavs to just 41 points in the second half on 39.5% shooting and Cleveland’s 97 total points represented the seventh time this season the Lakers limited their opponents to fewer than 100 points.
“Just take care of us, that’s the biggest thing,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said when asked for the key to finish out strong down the stretch. “Everything else will take care of itself. We’ll fall exactly in the spot we’re supposed to fall. But the key is for us to be playing at a high level on both sides of the ball. We saw that on the defensive end tonight.”
Analysis: Future Trends in the NBA
The Lakers’ recent performance and climb up the Western Conference standings highlight the competitive nature of the NBA and the importance of finishing the regular season strong. As the playoffs approach, teams are jostling for position, with the play-in tournament adding an extra layer of excitement and opportunity for lower-seeded teams.
One key trend to observe is the impact of roster chemistry and camaraderie on a team’s success. Anthony Davis mentioned how the Lakers are having fun and holding each other accountable, leading to improved performance on the court. This focus on team cohesion can be seen as a response to the increasing importance of collective effort in the modern NBA.
Furthermore, the Lakers’ ability to limit opponents to fewer than 100 points in multiple games showcases the team’s defensive prowess. In an era of high-scoring games and offensive firepower, the Lakers’ defensive discipline sets them apart and positions them well for success in the playoffs.
Looking ahead, the NBA is likely to continue evolving with new strategies and styles of play. As stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis age, younger talent will emerge, bringing fresh dynamics and playmaking abilities to the forefront. This transition of power within the league will shape the competitive landscape in the coming years.
Additionally, the play-in tournament format introduced in recent seasons has been well-received by fans and players alike. Its inclusion in the NBA playoffs has added excitement and increased opportunities for lower-seeded teams to advance. This trend may continue as the league aims to maintain interest and engagement throughout the postseason.
Recommendations for the industry include a focus on player development, both physically and mentally, as well as promoting team chemistry and unity. Coaches and organizations should invest in strategies to enhance the defensive aspects of their teams, as well as adapt to the changing landscape of the game.
In conclusion, the Lakers’ recent surge in the Western Conference standings reflects the highly competitive nature of the NBA. As the playoffs approach, teams are vying for positioning and opportunities to secure postseason spots. The implications of roster chemistry, defensive prowess, and the evolving dynamics of the league are key factors to consider when analyzing future trends in the NBA.